Improvement in the construction of step-ladders



J. P. Mc CANDLESS.

Improvement in Construction of step -ll zioders.

.132,212 Patented octivsymvz.

Inventtar UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH P. MCOANDLESS, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEP-LADDERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 132,212, dated October15, 1872.

mit the brace to stand at the desired angle when the ladder is inposition for use. The

- hinge is also provided with double straps to support the wooden brace,which is used on the rear of the ladder, all of which will be fullyunderstood by reference to the accompanying drawing and the descriptionof the same, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical section of the bracket andhinge in position, as used when the ladder is set up. Fig. 2 is avertical section of the same, but of a different form of construction. 7

The brackets, with the sockets and sides forming the mortises, are madeof metal and cast inone piece. Arepresents the top of the bracket onwhich the step of the ladder is placed, and to which it should be firmlysecured by screws. It should be of suflicient width to form sockets forthe stiles, with the metal forming each side of the mortises of the samethickness as the other portions of the bracket. B 0 represent mortisesor sockets for the stiles when made of two pieces, sprung so as to formarching braces. Fig.1 shows these so formed that the stiles may projectthrough the bracket. Fig. 2 shows the bracket with the mortises so madethat a piece of metal intervenes between the stiles and the step of theladder. D, E, and F, are straps, projecting down from the bracket A toform the brace and assist in supporting the stiles, forming mortises, asshown. The division E may be omitted. The shaded lines B 0 show themetal forming the sides of the sockets or mortises. Any form of woodenstile may be employed.

When the bracket is made as shown in Fig. 1, the stile is secured byscrews passing through D and F into the stile. In Fig. 2 the stiles arefastened by screws passing through the sides of the bracket into thestiles. H is an ear, projecting down from the bracket, two of which areemployed, of suflicient distance apart to form jaws for a hinge. h is apiece of metal connecting the jaws, and forming a stop for projection g.J is a double-strap hinge for attaching the rear brace of the ladder tothe bracket. G is the neck of the hinge, working between the jaws H H. gis a projection cast on the neck G, which rests against the stop h whenthe brace is in position to support the ladder. This feature of myinvention avoids the use of strings for connecting the rear brace withthe ladder, to prevent the brace from opening too far when moving theladder. L L are straps, cast with the hinge, and are of such distanceapart as to permit the brace to fit the space I without cutting down thewooden brace which is fastened by means of screws or rivets, as shown.

It is obvious that the jaws H H may be made on'the hinge J, and the neckof the hinge may project from the bracket, instead of the form hereshown. The neck G may be connected to H by a screw, bolt, rivet, or anyother suitable pivot of sufficient strength. The bracket here shown ismuch superior in strength to any other now in use, firmly connecting all-the parts. The brace-hinge with the cam projection is superior in modeof connection, and more convenient thanthose in common use, combiningboth strength and simplicity.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new, is-

The bracket A, formed with the mortises B O and straps D, E, and F, incombination with the hinge G, projection g, ear H, and stop h,substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand this 11th day of June,1872.

JOSEPH P. MGOANDLESS.

Witnesses:

EDWARD Born, 0. P. LEWIS.

